Netball: Likely return of Ellis holds no fears for Ferns

By JULIE ASH

Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken says her side are ready for the return of Australian captain Liz Ellis in tonight's decider in Melbourne.

Ellis had the better of the New Zealand attack in the first test before a clash with Irene van Dyk saw her carted off with an ankle injury in the third quarter.

The injury ruled her out of the second test in Perth, which New Zealand won 50-42, but it is understood Ellis will almost certainly take the court tonight.

The Australian captain's aggression, tight marking and rebounding ability was missed by the Australians, who struggled to stem New Zealand's rampant attack.

"She is certainly a world-class defender, there is no doubt about it," Aitken said.

"But I felt in the first test we didn't have our rhythm right through court so it certainly played into the hands of the Australian defence ... but they'll be delighted to have Liz [Ellis] back. She is their captain, after all."

Apart from the return of Ellis, Aitken is not expecting too many surprises in the Australian lineup.

Ellis is likely to team up with Janine Ilitch on defence, with Alison Broadbent at wing defence. Natalie Avellino should retain her spot at wing attack.

However, it will be interesting to see if Jessica Shynn remains at centre after a fairly average showing in Perth.

The Sydney Swifts combination of Catherine Cox and Megan Anderson are expected to start at goal shoot and goal attack.

As for the Silver Ferns, it will be hard for Aitken to go past the seven that tore the Australians apart in the third quarter in the second test.

While Joline Henry and Anna Scarlett performed well in the opening quarter, it is likely Vilimaina Davu will start at goal keep.

It is difficult to predict, though, whether it will be the ever-improving Scarlett or Sheryl Scanlan who will play alongside her.

Jodi Te Huna might be expected to get the nod at goal attack, considering her relationship with van Dyk is just starting to hum. But Aitken has always said her focus in the series was to give as many players as possible court time, so it wouldn't be surprising to see Angela Mitchell, Victoria Edward, Joline Henry and even Amigene Metcalfe feature in the match.

"We do have the opportunity to change our tactics a bit with different players so we are still looking at those options," Aitken said.

"We like to keep [Australian coach] Norma [Plummer] guessing."

New Zealand's performance in the second test was a vast improvement on the first game, when they appeared somewhat rusty and out of sync.

In the second test they were guilty of concentration lapses which allowed Australia to stay within reach.

"We all need to be incredibly resolute and know our job and concentrate on doing our job," Aitken said.

"On defence it has to be seven defenders working tirelessly to shut down their speed.

"On attack it is opening things out and doing that work away from the ball so we can get into good attacking positions."

First test won by Australia: 54-49

Second test won by New Zealand: 50-42

THE TEAMS

* NEW ZEALAND: Irene van Dyk, Angela Mitchell, Jodi te Huna, Adine Wilson, Temepara Clark, Amigene Metcalfe, Lesley Nicol, Sheryl Scanlan, Joline Henry, Vilimaina Davu, Anna Scarlett, Victoria Edward.

* AUSTRALIA: Catherine Cox, Cynna Neele, Natalie Avellino, Natasha Chokljat, Kristen Heinrich, Jane Altschwager, Megan Anderson, Alex Hodge, Natalie von Bertouch, Jessica Shynn, Mo'onia Gerrard, Alison Broadbent, Liz Ellis, Bianca Chatfield, Janine Ilitch.